Gary Phillips Obituary

Gary Phillips

Gary Phillips, age 82, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016, after a brief illness. He was born on August 3, 1933, son of the late Alwyn Howell Phillips and Josephine Virginia Duer, of New Bern, NC. He was also predeceased in death by his wife, Ann Parker; and a sister, Dorothy Yvonne Edwards.

Gary proudly served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Far East and French Indo China. He graduated from the University of Richmond, with a degree in Accounting and went to work for Price Waterhouse. Moving back to Rocky Mount, he began working as a Trust Officer for Peoples Bank and Trust Company.

An entrepreneur, Gary was involved with NC Supply Co., Tar River Cable TV Inc., First Carolina Communications, Inc., and Parsons' Woodworking, Inc., among others. In addition to serving on numerous local boards and civic organizations, he also served on various boards of private entities throughout the state.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon and Elder and was active in all phases of the church. Gary found pride in his two sons and six grandsons each achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Gary brought joy to many people and will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Gary was a giving man of many interests, and strong, but witty opinions. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Gary leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Gary Stephen Phillips and his wife, Susan Pamela; Stephanie Ann Hayworth and her husband, Lewis Clifton; Stuart Parker Phillips and his wife, Lynda Marie; and Sarah Elizabeth Gooding and her husband, David Royce. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Creighton Lee Hayworth (Rachel), Anne Parker Hayworth and Trevor Ridge Hayworth, Bradley Stephen Phillips, Ann Catherine Phillips and Hannah Elizabeth Phillips, Lauren Marie Phillips, Owen Stuart Phillips, Michael David Gooding and Mark Edward Gooding; his brother, Alwyn Howell Phillips, Jr. and his wife, Joyce Drake, of Rocky Mount; his sisters, Delia Henrietta Willis of Greensboro, NC and Ruth Marie Leduc of Tega Cay, SC.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 153 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or to the charity of your choice. The family also requests that you love and honor the Lord, love your family, and cherish every moment of your life.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. As published in the Rocky Mount Telegram

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rocky Mount Telegram on Feb. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Phillips

7 Entries

Virginia Smelley

February 27, 2016

Gary was a favorite relative and loved hearing him speak of his family. Love to you all. Ginger

Tammy Bonds

February 6, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

February 4, 2016

Stephen, Stephanie, Stuart, and Sara,

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Haven't seen you guys in a long time, but have fond memories of our childhood on Hill Street.

Just wanted to let all of you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Bob and Tanya Faucette

Jan Pittman

February 4, 2016

We lost a true gentleman and a great example of a loving, caring and compassionate human being. He had so much to offer an employee, not only about work, training and ethics but about life lessons and values. I worked for him for years and considered him not only a boss but a true friend and confidant. The day he left Tar River was a day everyone hated to see come and there was not a dry eye in the house. My condolences to the whole family. Happy memories of your father will always exist in my heart because he was one class act! May peace be with you.

Scott Kemp

February 4, 2016

To the entire Phillips family, I want to express my deepest condolences on your loss. I remember with great fondness the words of encouragement Mr. Phillips gave me way back, and I'm a better person for having known him. Blessings to you all, much love, ~Scott Kemp

Susan Fisher Weaver

February 4, 2016

Stephen, Stephanie, Stuart, Sara
I am so sorry to hear about Gary, he was a true gentleman who I respected highly. Gary hired me at Tar River and I learned a lot from him. He will be missed by all he touched throughout his lifetime. God received another angel in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God Bless you.

Hazel Rawls Carr

February 4, 2016

My condolences to all the family. May your happy memories be with you now and always. I was in the same homeroom with Gary in high school. He was a very polite and caring person then.

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